Chapter 162: Three Scholars

Chapter 162: Three Scholars

Sun Beauty, suffering from severe abdominal pain and trembling legs hidden beneath her skirt, hurried towards Fengyi Palace to change clothes, not having the energy to engage in extended conversation with Noble Consort Duan.

She quickly said to Shufei, "Shufei, I'll go ahead," and hurried off towards Fengyi Palace, lifting her skirt as she walked briskly.

"What's wrong with Sun Beauty?" Noble Consort Duan wondered. It was unusual for someone to leave their palace mistress and head to Fengyi Palace alone.

Shufei glanced at her and chuckled, "I don't know either, Noble Consort Duan. Are you so concerned about Sun Beauty?"

Noble Consort Duan stepped back, forcing a smile, "Shufei, I don't know either."

As they spoke, a series of gasps were heard from ahead. Sun Beauty, who had been walking, suddenly started running, even bypassing the palace maids leading the way and rushing directly into the maids' quarters.

The consorts still on the palace path looked at each other, one of them commented, "Did Sun Beauty get a stomach upset?"

Another quietly sneered, "That’s quite unseemly! She’s supposed to be a lady of high birth!"

By the time everyone was seated in the Mingluan Hall's flower hall, there were still quiet murmurs about the incident.

Jiang Hui had already sent Qingfeng to summon the imperial physician. Sitting at the head of the hall, she gently placed her porcelain cup on the table, and the whispering instantly ceased.

"She spoke softly, 'Today’s gathering was actually for just two reasons.'"

"Usually, only consorts ranked as Talented Ladies of the sixth rank and above visited Fengyi Palace. This time, Jiang Hui had summoned all the consorts, leading everyone to speculate that it was likely about the Emperor’s southern tour."

"This was also why Sun Meiren, despite abdominal pain, insisted on coming to pay respects."

"But what was the second reason?"

Jiang Hui glanced over the group and began, "As I've already mentioned to all the sisters, His Majesty intends to go on a southern tour next year. The selection of companions for the journey has been decided by me."

The consorts perked up, hoping to hear their names called by the Empress.

Jiang Hui continued at a measured pace, "Princess Huai Qing and the Second Princess will be accompanying, and Yi Shun Yi will attend to them. The other companion..."

Hearing Empress mention Yi Shun Yi, most turned to look at her, noting her composed and serene demeanor.

All because she's raising the Second Princess!

The consorts silently cursed, eagerly waiting to hear the final name.

Tang Mei Ren slightly tilted her head towards Duan Gui Ren seated ahead, a thoughtful look on her face, then glanced at the empty seat next to her, previously occupied by Sun Mei Ren, before lowering her gaze.

"...the other will be Fu Gui Ren. Being from Xu Zhou, she is a suitable choice."

As soon as Jiang Hui finished, the consorts couldn't help but start whispering among themselves.

Fu Gui Ren, who entered the palace in the fourth year of Jian Zhao, wasn't particularly favored and led a quiet life, usually unnoticed. Today, however, she had unexpectedly gained favor.

Fu Gui Ren, sitting below, was beautiful and looked shocked, even appearing restless.

The expressions of Duan Gui Ren and Tang Mei Ren changed, and they simultaneously lowered their heads.

Jiang Hui continued, "I've gathered you here for another matter. Our Great Zhou has been prosperous for many years, but recently, a trend of extravagance has arisen in Shang Jing. Such harmful trends must not be encouraged, hence I've decided to reduce the expenses in the palace."

This matter was of great concern to everyone, especially the lesser-ranked consorts from less prominent families, who became visibly more anxious.

Jiang Hui glanced at Qiu Kui, who stepped forward and detailed, "Per the Empress's decree, consorts ranked from sixth-rank Cai Ren to fifth-rank Pin, will have their quarterly allotment of fabrics, hairpins, and jewelry reduced by ten percent; those from fourth-rank Si Yi to third-rank Jie Yu, by twenty percent, with a ten percent reduction in stipends; for those ranked..."

As Qiu Kui was speaking, Shan Zha hurried in from outside, approached Jiang Hui, and whispered, "My lady, the imperial physician has examined Sun Mei Ren. It seems she has developed dysentery."

"Dysentery?" Jiang Hui was slightly shocked and quickly ordered, "Immediately clean the areas and utensils Sun Mei Ren used with boiling water and vinegar three times; have the eunuchs clean the Gong rooms thoroughly. Although flies and insects are rare in winter, take precautions. If any are found, kill them immediately. Move Sun Mei Ren to Bi Xi Pavilion temporarily, and also... never mind, go tell Qing Feng to have the Imperial Hospital send several physicians and medical women. Ensure thorough cleaning throughout the palace."

Shan Zha nodded repeatedly, and after seeing no further instructions from Jiang Hui, she hurried out of the hall.

Jiang Hui then softly instructed Wan Song, "Go and watch over Hua Yang, make sure she doesn’t wander these next few days. Especially Xiao Xue, ensure her caregivers are vigilant and keep her away from anything unclean. Also, send some physicians to check on the princes and princesses."

Wan Song, with a solemn expression, agreed and left.

The movement in Jiang Hui's area naturally drew the attention of the consorts. By the time Qiu Kui finished reading the list of expense cuts and stepped back, Jiang Hui, with a stern voice, informed them, "The imperial physician has just examined Sun Mei Ren, who has dysentery. I intend to move her to Bi Xi Pavilion. After returning, you should all clean your quarters thoroughly."

The mention of "dysentery" immediately alarmed the consorts, for it was a contagious disease that could be fatal for those with weaker constitutions.

Someone spoke up, "Empress, although Bi Xi Pavilion is remote, it's still within the palace. Wouldn't it be better to have Sun Mei Ren recuperate outside the palace?"

"Yes, yes!" Many echoed in agreement, momentarily forgetting the concerns of the southern tour and expense cuts.

Duan Gui Ren looked worried but sneaked a glance at Tang Mei Ren, uncertainty in her eyes. Tang Mei Ren, too, harbored similar suspicions, her gaze on Duan Gui Ren's profile sending chills down her spine.

Jiang Hui, not wishing to engage in further discussion, dismissed everyone. She then called for Cen Yuan Zheng and Xu Yuan Pan to inquire in detail about the causes of dysentery and ordered them to lead a team from the Imperial Hospital to examine everyone in the palace.

Qiu Kui helped Jiang Hui sit down and softly said, "My lady, the imperial physician said dysentery commonly occurs in summer and autumn due to seasonal pathogens. Now it’s winter, so Sun Mei Ren must have eaten something unclean."

Besides seasonal pathogens, improper or unhygienic diet is also a cause of dysentery.

"Sun Mei Ren thought she got sick from overeating hot pot, but she’s young. Overeating might cause stomach pain but is unlikely to lead to dysentery," Qiu Kui analyzed, "In my opinion, she must have been poisoned. Sun Mei Ren is somewhat favored for her beauty and was likely to be chosen to accompany the Empress on the tour."

At that moment, Shan Zha, freshly changed into clean clothes, re-entered and reported to Jiang Hui, "My lady, before Sun Mei Ren was moved to Bi Xi Pavilion, she claimed Tang Mei Ren harmed her. Her maid Xiang Yun is a witness, and there’s an unfinished plate of date paste cakes in the Liu Shuang Pavilion of Yu Fu Palace as evidence."

Jiang Hui didn't immediately respond to Shan Zha, but calmly continued after Qiu Kui, "Thinking such actions would secure a spot in the southern tour entourage, 'killing two birds with one stone,' indeed, how very true."